Washington, DC - Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), today, released a new study titled 'Homeschooling Grows Up.' Conducted by Dr. Brian Ray of the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) and commissioned by HSLDA, the study answers homeschool skeptics who claim that homeschooling leads to poor socialization. "Homeschool graduates are proving the critics wrong in every arena," said Tom Washburne, Director of the National Center for Home Education (NCHE).

Every homeschool family has confronted the question "Oh, you homeschool. What about your child's socialization?" This study demonstrates that concerns about socialization are unfounded.

Homeschoolers educated in the 1980's are coming of age and taking their place in society. In particular, the study found that homeschoolers are significantly more involved in their communities than the average public school graduate.

Over 71% of homeschoolers participate in a voluntary, church or neighborhood association compared with 37% of U.S. adults.

Over 76% of 18-24 homeschool graduates voted in a national/state election the past 5 years compared with just 29% of 18-24 year old public school graduates.

"Homeschoolers, typically identified as high academic achievers, are doing well as adults in society," said Ray. "In particular, they are very civically engaged and active in their communities," he added.

If your organization would like to schedule an interview with Tom Washburne or Dr. Brian Ray please contact Ian Slatter, Director of Media Relations at (540) 338 8663 or via e-mail Ian@hslda.org.

Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) is a 20 year old, 80,000 member non-profit organization and the preeminent association advocating the legal right of parents to home school their children.